Monday, July 22, 2013

Great Flashflood Video from David Rankin

It's that time of the year in the American Southwest - the annual summer monsoon. Just the other night Helen and I drove back from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and witnessed a stupendous storm cell that moved southwest over the San Francisco Peaks and down to the western Mogollon Rim. The lightning was ,well... electric... and sheets of rain fell on us for a full 20 miles from Kendrick Park to the city of Flagstaff. Our windshield wipers could not keep up with the spend that the rain fell. We heard from friends at Phantom Ranch in the canyon that Bright Angel Creek flashed on the night of July 20. It is a great time to be on the Colorado Plateau!

David Rankin

My friend and colleague in Page, AZ, David Rankin has been chasing flash floods with his video camera for years and seems to have perfected the art of predicting what drainages will flash, when they will arrive at a certain place, and then putting himself in position to film them. I have been enjoying his work for years but these new clips from an event that occurred on Wahweap Creek on July 18 of this year are especially informative and entertaining.

WARNING: Do not attempt these stunts at home! David has been watching flash floods for years and knows the inherent dangers and places himself in a position where he can escape if need be. Notice that none of these shots are in closed or confined canyons. They are all in open ground where there is an avenue of escape.

You can view the clips here. This is flash flood video like you've never seen it before! Note how slow the head of the flood seems to be moving. This is because of the "wall" of debris that acts to slow the front end down. Note that the ground where the flood arrives is not wet - it did not rain in this location at all. These are powerful events and we are lucky to see them this way. Thanks Dave!

About Me

I am a geologist, a writer, a river and trail guide and a traveler. Everything seems right when I am on a trail or river watching the earth spin - my cares and worries disappear, my body and mind get exercise, and there is nothing to disturb the ebb and flow of life. Out there is where ideas come to me, where stories flow through me like the rivers that carry me towards home. Now and then, I post ramblings on geology, life in the west and on a living planet,\ and travels across the globe. Life is good, if only we'd take the time to understand that.

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All In A Days Karma

Thank you for visiting my geology blog! If you enjoyed the blog posts here, you may also be interested in seeing my personal blog called All In A Days Karma. I created this blog in February, 2011 because many friends and readers have requested something a little less scientific with more adventure and observational ramblings. Check it out here.

The Grand Canyon...

I lead geology- and hiking-themed river trips in the Grand Canyon

I Have Served As An On Camera Geologist In Seven Documentaries

This photo is from a helicopter shoot over Canyonlands in 2009 for a National Geographic TV documentary. Other shoots were for The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, PBS Phoenix, and others

San Francisco Peaks Stratovolcano

North of the San Francisco Peaks near my hometown in Flagstaff, Arizona

A Colorado Plateau Look-Alike

Believe it or not in southern Pakistan

Lonquimay Volcano and Auraucaria trees in Chile

My work takes me all over the world...

In Front of an Argentinian Glacier

Puerto Moreno Glacier, January, 2008

At the pyramids

Giza in Egypt

Mt. Everest in the Himalaya

In 2007 I climbed with friends to the Everest Base Camp

I have been to Africa many times and love it

A hippo enjoys an afternoon swim in Queen Eizabeth National Park, Uganda

In the Galapagos

Unique volcanic islands

Esfahan, Iran

An interesting and beautiful place

I Lecture on Private Jet Trips Around the World

The Explorer jet on the tarmac in Brazil

Argentina and the Andes Mts.

The Perito Moreno Glacier

Ama Dablam in the Himalaya's

On a trek to Kala Patthar, Nepal

The Fisher Towers near Moab,Utah

I love Southwestern Geology!

Earthly Musings

I hope you like this blog - I sure enjoy writing it. As anyone who blogs will know, it is difficult to write all of the time. When I'm out on a trip it is impossible to go online but when I return home, I will have pictures to post. I appreciate you looking in now and then, and seeing what I am up to. Thank you.